Author:sam spearing

Bloomfield Development Corporation is accepting applications to serve on its board of directors! Made up of business owners, residents, community stakeholders, and at-large members, BDC’s board members are responsible for governing the organization and have a commitment to transparency and diversity.

A Registered Community Organization, BDC works for a Bloomfield where everyone can build a home, a business, and a future. We accomplish our mission through small business support and promotion, housing support, community process for new development, and the Bloomfield Saturday Market.

In light of the current pandemic, all meet ups and applicant interviews will take place through alternative communications such as phone calls and Zoom this year. We understand that this is a difficult time for many of our neighbors, but we also believe community engagement is more important now than ever.

To apply, send a resume and brief bio to Lauren Nichols, BDC Board Chair, at board@bloomfieldpgh.org. For inquiries, contact the previous email or call 412.681.8800. Applications and nominations will be accepted through May 31.

The following is a list of resources available for small business owners, workers, residents and neighbors in need of assistance during the COVID-19 outbreak. This list will be updated periodically. If you have a suggestion feel free to reach out via email at sam@bloomfieldpgh.org or phone at 412.681.8800

If you require a service not found here you can call 211 or go to pa211sw.org

For Residents:

Emergency Food Assistance

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture put together a guide on how to access emergency food assistance during COVID-19 mitigation. Read more here.

Unemployment Compensation

If you are unable to work due to the COVID-19/coronavirus outbreak, Pennsylvania has recently updated its Unemployment Compensation webpage with new information. Now, if your employer temporarily closes, reduces your hours, or you have been told to self-isolate, Pennsylvania is waiving the Work Search and Work Registration requirements and suspending the one-week waiting period. Those eligible can apply online. Find more info here.

Restaurant Employee Relief Fund

The Restaurant Employee Relief Fund was created to help restaurant industry employees experiencing hardship in the wake of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak. Through this Fund, grants will be made to restaurant industry employees who have demonstrated being financially impacted by COVID-19, whether through a decrease in wages or loss of employment. Find more info and apply here.

Hebrew Free Loan Association of Pittsburgh has announced a Coronavirus Financial Bridge Loan Program to provide interest-free loans on a nonsectarian basis for up to $5,000. Find more info and apply here.

URA Housing Stabilization Program

The Urban Redevelopment Authority and the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh have partnered to provide short term rent/mortgage/utility financial assistance to city residents. Read more about the program here.

Federal Student Loan Payment Suspension

The office of Federal Student Aid is having interest rates set to 0% for a period of at least 60 days for all federally held student loans. Additionally, borrowers will have the option to suspend their payments for at least two months to allow them greater flexibility during the national emergency. Read more here.

Comcast Internet Services

Xfinity WiFi hotspots, located throughout the city, will be available to anyone for free, even without a subscription. Additionally, no disconnects or late fees will be assessed on current subscribers. For low-income customers, families are eligible to receive 60 days of complimentary Internet Essentials service. Find more info here.

Pittsburgh Virtual Tip Jar for Service Workers

Many of us would regularly be patronizing bars, salons, restaurants, and other businesses that have been ordered closed. Even if you are socially isolating, you can help to support our local service industry staff. Consider sending a “tip” to your favorite bartender, server, stylist, aesthetician. A Carnegie Mellon team created this online resource to do just that.

Resources for Artists

The Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council has created a list of resources for artists in Pittsburgh including their own Emergency Fund for Artists. See the list here.

PPE Connect PGH

PPE Connect PGH was created to connect Pittsburgh area medical providers in need of Personal Protective Equipment with those who have and are willing to donate new, unused PPE. This can include gloves, N95 masks, goggles, etc… Find more information here.

Urban Redevelopment Authority: COVID-19 Small Business Assistance Loan Program

The URA Small Business Assistance Loan can be used for rent, insurance, payroll, and other fixed assets. Loans can be requested up to $15,000. Apply online here.

Small Business Association Disaster Loans

Pennsylvanians are now eligible for disaster loans from the Small Business Association. The SBA provides low-interest disaster loans to help businesses and homeowners recover from declared disasters. Find more info and apply online here.

Honeycomb Crowdfunded Small Business Relief Loan

To help deliver the working capital that businesses need, Honeycomb is offering 45-day payment free periods, 6-month interest-only periods and reducing our posting, success, and investor fees. They’re also streamlining their due diligence to connect businesses with local investors as quickly as possible. As always, these loans are community funded via the Honeycomb crowdfunding platform. Apply and get more information here.

Per CDC recommendations we are hoping to connect our neighbors in this time of uncertainty. Buddies can simply check-in with their neighbors through a phone call or potentially help them to get resources they may need!

This sign-up link is for neighbors in Bloomfield, Garfield, and Lawrenceville but we’ll do our best to match you with the closest neighbor to you! Neighbors can also reach out by calling (leave a message if no answer): for Lawrenceville, 412-802-7220; for Bloomfield, 412-681-8800; for Garfield, 412-426-5329

ShurSave is at the heart of the Bloomfield we love.

Echo Realty, the new owner, hasn’t created a clear development plan yet. Our community has a strong neighborhood vision for what an inclusive, equitable development looks like, and the developer asked to learn about this vision in detail.

Bloomfield Development Corporation found out earlier this week from the Allegheny County Real Estate Portal that the site sold, and closed on Jan. 15, for $5.78 million.

The new owner is Bloomfield Bridge Associates, LLC, the address of which is a P.O. box in Bethel Park. We can’t find anything else about the identity of the owner in our research this week and we will keep you posted as we learn more. We do know that the new owner is already repairing the busted sidewalk on Ella near the bus stop.

We believe an informed community is a strong community and will keep you posted on anything we learn about the plans for the site.